CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE · THE LEMON LAW STATUTE
California's Lemon Law protects consumers when they buy or lease a vehicle with a substantial defect. If your car meets the criteria for a lemon vehicle, you can seek compensation — up to a full refund or replacement — under our state's law.
THE STATUTE
California Civil Code (CCC) §1793.22 requires vehicle manufacturers to replace a new vehicle, or make restitution to the consumer if, after making a reasonable number of attempts to repair it, the vehicle does not conform to applicable warranties.
This is commonly known as the "Lemon Law."
In legal terms, a "lemon" is a car or other vehicle with major defects that affect its safety, value, or utility — and that the manufacturer has been unable to fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts or within a reasonable period of time.
Four conditions must apply. If they do, you almost certainly have a claim worth pursuing.
The vehicle was purchased or leased in the State of California — the statute applies to in-state transactions.
Out-of-state purchases use a different framework — give us a call.
An express or written warranty from the manufacturer — new vehicles, leased vehicles, and CPO used vehicles all qualify.
Implied warranties don't count for the §1793.22 path.
Cosmetic issues don't qualify. Substantial defects — brakes, transmission, electrical, infotainment, safety systems — do.
Safety defects often qualify after a single repair attempt.
Multiple visits to an authorized dealer for the same warranty issue — without resolution.
"Reasonable" is flexible. See below.
THE BIG MYTH · THE "FOUR REPAIR" RULE
"Four repairs for the same issue" is one of the most common myths in California lemon law — and it's not what the statute says. The statute states that the manufacturer has an obligation to repurchase the vehicle if they were unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. The key word is "reasonable."
What's reasonable depends on what specifically is wrong. If your manufacturer isn't required to have four attempts to fix it. Steering wheel pops off while you're driving, the manufacturer isn't required to have four attempts to fix it. One repair is enough — because that's a substantial safety concern, and we're not waiting for it to happen three more times before we get you out of that defective car.
Every situation is different. It depends on what specifically you're dealing with. Call us — free consultation — and we'll tell you what's reasonable for your case.
READY TO START · FREE CASE EVALUATION
Give us a call or fill out the form. You may be entitled
to compensation — and the consultation is free.
Prefer to talk? Call (213) 463-8232 · Mon–Sat · 9 AM – 6 PM